Myla Katzav

I am turning 36 tomorrow.  And if I think about it seriously, it is somehow unbelievable.  When I was 16 and in high school, I thought about my teachers who were in their early 20's as too old and I always told myself that I have a looong way to go before I get to that stage.  And here I am, much way past the 20's, been through tough times and experienced priceless and beautiful moments, all of it unexpectedly. 

Looking back, i think one of the secrets of my "success" is not expecting too much from everyone, taking each and everyone who came and still comes to my life as is.  And most of the time looking at the good side of people and events.  I think the most success it contributed to is my marriage because up until now, my husband and i "still" agree that life is worthless without the other one.  Of course, our deep faith in God and endless support for each other contrbuted to it as well. 

When you dont expect and just love the person for who she/he is and that love is reciprocated, I believe that one way or the other, both of you will just bring out the best of each other because when you love someone, you have a strong desire to live a good life for that person.

And then a child comes to your world and changes every bit of yourself.  This time, without consciously or unconsciously choosing it, you strive to become a better person because you have felt the most powerful kind of love and you are willing to give up your life for them.

In my 36 years of life, I have never worried or slept less than when I became a mother.  My worries range from daily to monthly.  My daily worries are very simple like what to prepare for lunch or dinner to if my children are treated well in their day cares; while my monthly worries would be on ways on how not to touch our savings and when my husband is planning a trip overseas to the well-being of my loved ones in the Philippines. 

Yesterday, we were at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem.  The place I feel closest to God.  Once again, I said a prayer but this time, it was deeper and more heartfelt.  I needed to feel God because I know I have been slipping away and I think yesterday did good to my spirit. We visited a Rabbi friend in his house and we got a bonus..we prayed with him and he blessed us!

Finally, as the movie title goes: Life is beautiful.  Worrying is such a waste of time.  Challenges are always present.  Health is wealth while money can be lost and earned so it shouldnt eat up our time.  Fear unmoves us so we should strive to take it out to be free. We should celebrate our youth physically and mentally, be very grateful for our loved ones and appreciate every moment spent with them. Work for what's best for our family and not what society dictates. And be the captain of our own being!